Or, makes you reconsider moving him in fear of what he and many others will ask for once they get to UFA. Young cheap talent will be even more important.

I just don't see how this team can keep him without seriously handcuffing ourselves financially. Assuming Richards isn't bought out anyway, but what would be the point? The best UFA center on the market just re-signed for more money than we could have even hoped to have offered.

I'm a big fan of Gaborik and I'd hate to see the guy go, but he's the odd man out here. Nash and Callahan are our top-six RW's, and keeping McDonagh, Stepan, and Hagelin while maintaining some semblance of cap flexibility is absolutely vital.